The Macallan unveils tea-inspired whiskies
Edrington-owned The Macallan has collaborated with tea brand Jing to launch two tea-inspired single malts as part of its Harmony Collection.
The two new 2025 limited editions – called Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired by Cherrywood Lapsang Tea – are tributes to fine single garden teas sourced by Jing.
Jaume Ferras, creative director at The Macallan, commented: “Our collaboration with Jing is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea – two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time. Working with Jing has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavour and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”
In keeping with the collection’s ethos of sustainability, the presentation boxes for both whiskies are crafted using repurposed waste tea leaves.
2025 releases
Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea honours the flower used to create aromatic oolong tea. The orchid is traditionally grown in the Phoenix Mountain range of Guangdong, China, and is known for its dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes.
The whisky is predominantly matured in Sherry-seasoned American oak casks, coupled with Sherry-seasoned European oak and ex-Bourbon American oak casks, resulting in notes of honey, peach, apricot, floral honey, tropical fruits, toffee, and sweet oak.
Released for the domestic market, Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is offered at 43.9% ABV and has an RRP of £152 (US$202).
It is now available from select retailers, including Harrods, Berry Bros & Rudd, Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, and Master of Malt in the UK.
Inspired by Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will be available exclusively in global travel retail from 1 October.
The expression showcases the opposite side of tea flavours, drawing inspiration from Jing’s Organic Cherrywood Lapsang tea – a reinvented version of Lapsang Souchong that is delicately smoked over cherrywood in the UK.
Primarily matured in Sherry-seasoned European oak casks and accompanied by Sherry-seasoned American oak casks, the ‘flavour-driven’ whisky highlights the distinctive notes of the Cherrywood Lapsang tea.
Offered at 44.9% ABV, the single malt displays notes of toffee, dates, spice, ripe berries, charred citrus peel, and aromatic charred oak smoke.
Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of Jing, said: “At Jing, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be.
“The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.”
Previous Harmony releases
The new expressions continue The Macallan’s commitment to innovation with nature-inspired Harmony releases. The collection launched in October 2021, with the inaugural release, Inspired by Rich Cacao.
The second editions, a year later, paid tribute to coffee flavours: Intense Arabica and Smooth Arabica.
In 2023, The Macallan partnered with Stella and Mary McCartney to create two Amber Meadow and Green Meadow.
Last year, in celebration of its 200th anniversary, The Macallan released Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.
Related news
The Scotch Whisky Masters 2025 results
